Civil rights observance set for June 18

The Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations, Inc. (ACCORD) invites the public to a historic day of remembrance on Thursday, June 18, honoring the events that pivoted American history and led directly to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

On this anniversary, ACCORD will host “The Splash Heard Around the World,” a special meet-and-greet featuring Robert Swan Jr.

Swan and his brother, Nicholas, were eyewitnesses to the 1964 Monson Motor Lodge “Swim-In.” Their lens captured the only known color photographs of the moment manager James Brock poured acid into the pool and an off-duty police officer jumped in to remove demonstrators. The images sparked international outrage.

Events that day, “changed America and inspired the world,” according to David Nolan, local historian and founding member of ACCORD.

Prior to “The Splash” Event, ACCORD will host acclaimed filmmaker Clennon L. King for a discussion and screening of his documentary, “Passage at St. Augustine.”

Day of Remembrance schedule:

13th Annual Commemoration of the Mass Arrest of Rabbis

• Time: Noon

• Host: The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society

• Location: St. Johns County Jail Annex, 4025 Lewis Speedway

• Description: Honoring the 16 rabbis arrested during the Monson Motor Lodge protests, the largest mass arrest of rabbis in American history up to that time. Includes reading of the rabbis’ letter, “Why We Went,” with special guests, Rabbi Allen Secher, the last surviving member, and Avi Dresner, son of Rabbi Israel Dresner. The Florida Mobile Museum of Tolerance will be on hand for complimentary tours.

Discussion and Documentary Screening: “Passage at St. Augustine”

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Location: St. Paul AME Church, 85 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., St. Augustine

• Details: Discussion with acclaimed filmmaker Clennon L. King followed by a screening of the hourlong documentary “Passage at St. Augustine.” The film highlights a pivotal struggle in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped build the momentum that led to the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, ending legal Jim Crow segregation nationwide.

The “Splash” meet-and-greet with Robert Swan, Jr.

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Location: St. Paul AME Church, 85 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., St. Augustine

• Highlights: Robert Swan, Jr. will share his personal account of witnessing the Monson pool incident and dining with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rare color photographs taken by him and his brother, Nicholas will be on display for the first time.

All commemorative events are free and open to the public. This day serves as a tribute to the courage of the demonstrators and the photographers who ensured their struggle was seen by the world.

ACCORD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The ACCORD Freedom Trail, presented by Northrop Grumman Corporation, is a 24/7 open-air museum featuring historic markers located in and around the City of St. Augustine. The mobile audio tour can be accessed by dialing 904-335-3002.

Located in the former dental office of Dr. Robert B. Hayling, the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum is located at 79 Bridge St., St. Augustine. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, go to www.accordfreedomtrail.org.